Saeed Ezzati, a former software engineer with nearly a decade of experience in various startups, ventured into solopreneurship and found remarkable success. Today, he earns between $20,000 per month with a simple browser extension he developed on his own. His product, "Superpower ChatGPT," is a Chrome extension that enhances the capabilities of ChatGPT, offering users additional features that they didn't even know they needed.
The Birth of an Idea
The inception of "Superpower ChatGPT" happened when Saeed identified gaps in the original ChatGPT interface. Like many successful entrepreneurs, he began by solving his own problems, creating a tool that initially catered to his needs. But Saeed didn’t stop there. He delved into online communities, immersing himself in places where potential users hung out - subreddits, Discord channels, Slack groups, and Facebook communities. By listening to what people were asking for, he continually refined his extension, adding features that resonated with his target audience.
Saeed’s story highlights the importance of community engagement and active listening. His approach was straightforward—join the conversation, identify needs, and then build the solution. This strategy not only ensured that his product was useful but also generated organic growth as satisfied users spread the word.
The Power of a Niche
One of the key factors in Saeed’s success was his decision to build on an existing platform rather than creating a standalone product. He points out that while most aspiring entrepreneurs focus on building independent websites or SaaS products, entering a less crowded marketplace -like the Chrome Web Store - can be a more strategic move. By developing for a platform with an established user base, Saeed was able to reach users more easily, avoiding the competitive noise of the broader internet.
Saeed also advises considering smaller platforms with active marketplaces, such as Zoom or Salesforce. These platforms may have fewer users than giants like Twitter or Facebook, but they also have fewer developers creating extensions, making it easier to stand out and gain traction.
Building and Launching Quickly
A common pitfall for many entrepreneurs is spending too much time perfecting their product before launch. Saeed, however, took a different approach. With basic knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, he built and launched the first version of his extension in just a few days. His philosophy was simple: validate the idea quickly by putting it in front of users and see what sticks.
This rapid development cycle allowed Saeed to adapt quickly to feedback and iterate on his product, continuously adding value without being bogged down by perfectionism.
Organic Growth: No Ads, No Problem
Despite his success, Saeed has never spent a dime on advertising. His user base grew organically, driven by word of mouth and the occasional post on social media platforms like Reddit. He credits this growth to the quality of his product and the timing of its release. Being early to the market with a valuable tool gave him a significant advantage, as users naturally gravitated toward his extension and began recommending it to others.
Saeed’s journey underscores the power of creating something that people genuinely find useful. When your product solves a real problem and does it well, your users become your best marketers.
Monetization: From Free to Paid
Initially, "Superpower ChatGPT" was completely free. Saeed spent the first nine months focusing on building a large and loyal user base. Eventually, he introduced paid features, ensuring that the core functionalities remained free to keep his existing users happy. By experimenting with different pricing models, Saeed found a balance that worked for his audience, allowing him to monetize effectively without alienating his users.
Interestingly, Saeed's first revenue stream didn’t come from the extension itself but from a newsletter he started for his user base. By engaging his users through regular content and securing sponsorships, Saeed was able to generate income even before monetizing his extension.
Facing the Risks Head-On
One of the risks of building on another company’s platform is the possibility that the platform could change or shut down, rendering your product obsolete. Saeed acknowledges this risk, particularly with OpenAI’s control over ChatGPT. However, he chooses not to dwell on it. Instead, he focuses on continuously improving his product and exploring other platforms where he could replicate his success.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Saeed’s story offers several key takeaways for anyone looking to build their own software business:
- Validate Quickly: Launch a minimum viable product (MVP) as soon as possible to test your idea in the real world.
- Engage with Communities: Your best ideas often come from directly engaging with potential users in online communities.
- Leverage Existing Platforms: Building on established platforms can reduce competition and provide easier access to a large user base.
- Monetize Wisely: Start by offering value for free to build trust, then introduce paid features that enhance the experience without detracting from the core product.
- Stay Agile: Be prepared to pivot or start over if the platform you’re building on changes the rules.
In a world where the barrier to entry in tech can seem high, Saeed Ezzati's journey is a refreshing reminder that with the right idea, strategy, and a bit of hustle, it’s possible to build something significant - even solo. His story is an inspiration to solopreneurs everywhere: start small, think strategically, and most importantly, take action.